Periodic inspections of Vulcano have indicated that the total output from the fumarolic field at the crater "La Fossa" started to decrease in 1995. However, an analysis of the chemical compositions of the gaseous phases conducted as a part of an overall evaluation of the volcanic system provides important volcanological details. Different trends observed between the fumaroles located on the rim and those inside the crater (see BGVN 22:11) indicate that the Fossa cone is affected by deformation, possibly the result of increased vapor pressure at depth. The chemical data from samples collected at the same locations during 1998 and 1999 (table 6) indicate similar trends of increasing magmatic gases. This could imply widespread opening of the system, which could affect the stability of the edifice.

In addition to the data reported in table 6, temperature measurements taken along the N rim of Fossa crater some time during the period 2-16 July 1999 were reported by Claude Grandpey. The temperature in July was 340°C compared to ~410°C the previous April. Grandpey also reported stable temperatures (i.e., 95-100°C) at the fumaroles on the isthmus between Vulcano and Vulcanello.

Vulcano is located at the southern boundary of the Aeolian Islands, about 25 km from northern Sicily. It last erupted in 1888-90 when numerous meter-sized bombs and blocks fell in the area now occupied by the village of Vulcano Porto, which hosts thousands of tourists daily during the summer season. Vulcanello, the youngest part of Vulcano Island, began to form only ~2,100 years ago as an isolated island that later became connected with the main island. The latest activity at Vulcanello occurred in the 16th century when lava flows, now covered by large hotel complexes, were extruded.

Information is preliminary and subject to change. All times are local (unless otherwise noted)

"Daily earthquake frequency in the Vulcano area showed, from 24 April, a significant increase (figure 1). Seismic energy may also be considered unusual even though magnitudes have not exceeded 2.5. Epicenters lay predominantly in the Gran Cratere area or very close to it (figure 2); focal depths were generally <1 km. The timing of event and energy distribution reveals the swarm character of the seismicity. Waveforms lead us to hypothesize that both degassing and fracturing phenomena occurred. A leveling survey carried out in May showed a slight uplift (1 cm) of the epicentral area with respect to the S part of the island."

Figure 1. Daily frequency of local earthquakes recorded 1 January-30 May 1985 by the Vulcano Cratere seismic station on the N flank. Courtesy of IIV.

Figure 2. Epicenters of the seven highest energy earthquakes that occurred in the Vulcano area 24 April-30 May 1985. Courtesy of IIV.

"After the last explosive event, in 1888-90, activity has been mainly fumarolic emissions of varying intensity at the crater. A new fracture system, transverse to the main alignment along which the more recent activity had originated, opened during the last few months.

"No important seismic activity was detected at the same time, and the progressive spreading trend beginning in 1985 was not substantially modified. The rate of longitudinal opening (some meters/month), however, along with the well-defined magmatic character of the gaseous species emitted through these fractures, appear as a clear indication of an increasing pressure from beneath."

OV has regularly collected data on fumarole temperatures, gas chemistry, and radon emission at Vulcano. Since September 1987, the temperature of a fumarole (F5) on the crater rim has increased from 310 to 335°C. In December, a new vent near F5 had a temperature of 370°C. Measurements since then (through May 1988) do not show continued temperature increases, although values reached 415° near the bottom of the crater on 1 April. Chemical analyses of fumarolic fluids show clear variations in several gases with time. H2S, H2, H2O vapor, and the S/C ratio strongly increased (figure 3), while Cl and CO2 decreased significantly. Equilibrium temperatures calculated from the gas/water shift reaction (CO + H2O <-> CO2 + H2) do not show any variation with an average temperature of ~ 400°C. Measurements of water wells also show an increase in radon activity (figure 4).

Figure 3. Percentages of H2S, H2, and H2O; and S/C ratio in gases from fumarole F5 on Vulcano's crater rim, July 1987-April 1988.

Figure 4. Temperature (top), and radon tracks/cm2/day (bottom), at a well (Pozzo Bambara) near Vulcano, 8 June 1986-11 April 1988.

OV geologists believe that the variations could be explained by two main hypotheses: 1) An increase in permeability of the shallow system because of more fracturing (13:02); 2) An increase in heat migration from deeper to shallower reservoirs, buffered by water as indicated by the higher water vapor content of the collected gases.

On 21 April, a landslide occurred on the NE flank of the island. Visual estimates yield a total avalanche volume of <50,000 m3. OV geologists note that a very limited phreatic explosion cannot be excluded as a cause for the landslide.

Geologists visited Vulcano on 25 and 30 October and 1, 7, and 8 November to obtain spatial and temporal surface temperature distributions (figure 5). Fumaroles typically formed linear zones of acid steam discharge. Transects of a zone extending 40 m somewhat radially along the N rim of Gran Cratere were surveyed.

Figure 5. Apparent surface temperature profiles transverse to an elongated fumarolic zone on the N rim of Vulcano's Gran Cratere measured at 0930 (filled circles) and 1230 (open circles) on 8 November. Temperatures were recorded using a Minolta Cyclops 33 radiometer operating at [8-14 µm] wavelength. Each datum is the integrated temperature for the whole field of view of the radiometer, between 2.5 and 4.5 cm in diameter. The later survey shows warming of the downwind side of the zone by hot clouds of condensates blowing across the area. Courtesy of C. Oppenheimer and D. Rothery.

Gas temperatures (recorded by a thermocouple) were stable during the visits. The highest temperature measured was 396°C, although surface temperatures above 300°C were uncommon and highly localized (<0.01 m2) near vents. Because sublimates were unstable above about 150°C, there was a gray sublimate-free belt within 5-40 cm of the vents, flanked on either side first by white ammonium chloride, then yellow sulfur sublimates.

CO2 concentrations in soil near Vulcano's summit crater increased substantially between measurements in October 1987 and November 1988 (table 1), correlated with increased fumarolic activity. Changes in concentrations and flow rates of CO2 gas have been correlated to volcanic activity by Elskens, Tazieff, and Tonai (1969).

Table 1. CO2 soil concentrations near Vulcano's summit crater, in mole %. Equipment, sites, and the person making the measurements were all identical for both data sets.

Geologists from Ruhr Univ visited Vulcano on 20 September and observed it from nearby Lipari Island on 19 and 21 September. During the afternoon of 19 September, strong gas emission occurred from the N part of Fossa Grande Crater, site of Vulcano's last eruption in 1888-1890. Gases were generally driven W by strong winds, but a white plume occasionally rose 300 m above the crater. Strong fumarolic activity occurred from numerous vents and fissures during the 20 September visit. Most of the activity was concentrated in the crater's N sector, but some occurred from the outer N flank and the inner S crater rim. Activity was most intense from a fissure that cut the crater rim along a roughly N-S trend. Just inside the crater, the fissure was up to 0.5 m wide and 1 m deep, with sharp edges coated with sulfur sublimates. Gases escaped with a hissing noise at the most active points. The volume of visible steam seemed to decrease during the afternoon, probably because of a decrease in humidity. Steam emission was still somewhat reduced when viewed from Lipari Island the next day.

During field studies 27-28 September and 3-4 October, Open Univ geologists noted that fumaroles seemed little changed from their previous visit in October-November 1988 (13:11). The fumarole fissure, ~ 40 m long, that crossed the N rim of the crater, was substantially deeper in places, perhaps from the loss of rock particles ejected by the pressurized gas flow. Gas temperatures along the fissure were generally about 275°C, with the highest value, 407°, at a vent on the crater's NE rim. Solid sulfur was abundant near fumaroles, as loose masses of yellow crystals, thin-walled tubules and cups containing drops of acid solution, and sulfur stalactites a few centimeters long within recessed vents. Liquid sulfur was also present, commonly as yellow, orange, or red droplets and dribbles, although one vent had produced a molten sulfur flow ~2 m long, and another contained a pool of liquid sulfur ~ 10 cm in diameter, with a temperature of 115.2°C.

Fumarolic activity at Vulcano remained at a very high level in 1989. The temperature of a fumarole (F5) on the crater rim (figure 6) has remained stable at 310 ± 5°C; more than 90 samples have been collected since July 1987. In contrast, a fumarole (FF) inside the crater showed very high temperatures, reaching a maximum of 550°C in August-September 1989, 100° hotter than in 1988. February 1990 temperatures were 515° and 312° at FF and F5 respectively.

Figure 6. Map of Vulcano, showing locations of F5 and FF fumaroles.

Major chemical species (H2O, CO2, H2S, and SO2) showed large variations in concentration (figure 7). 3He/4He ratios were very high for all crater fumaroles (~60% mantle-derived He), remaining stable during 1989 at ~ 7.5-8.0 x 10-6. The 13C/12C ratio followed a similar trend to that of CO2, with very wide oscillations from about d13C 0.00 to -2.20+. Geologists noted that the chemical and isotopic trends suggest mixing of different sources.

Seismic activity was monitored by a permanent network installed by IIV, and a digital mobile seismic network operated by OV since 1987. Seismicity was at a low level and characterized by low-energy earthquakes occurring in swarm sequences. On the basis of their wave shapes and spectral characteristics, the earthquakes were divided into "Volcano-tectonic" and "Volcanic" events (figure 8) using the classification of Latter (1981). Volcano-tectonic earthquakes outside the Fossa cone and around the island showed clear P and S phases, high frequency contents, and represented the most energetic events (M < 1.6). Volcanic-type events showed very regular wave trains that were sometimes sharply monochromatic, and were characterized by low dominant frequencies and an absence of clearly identifiable phases. Their energy reached 1011-1012 ergs and their magnitudes were negative. Particle motion analysis revealed the presence of Rayleigh and Rayleigh-like waves with a prograde rotation; the arrivals of these two phases followed one another during such earthquakes. Geologists interpreted these events, centered in the Fossa crater, as being related to fumarolic gas flow at shallow depth.

A summit climb on 31 March revealed only minor changes since September 1989 (14:10). Gas emission continued from the fissure on the N rim, at high pressure from its 10-15-cm-wide central portion. Rocks up to 5 mm in diameter were re-ejected when thrown into the fissure's central section. The resulting gas plume rose 300-400 m during rainy weather on 3 April, but was considerably smaller at other times. Weak fumarolic activity was also occurring on the outer SE crater wall, and a new fumarole had formed on the NW flank.

"OV geologists visited Vulcano island in recent months. Temperatures of the sampled crater fumaroles F5, F5AT, and FA (figure 9) were 300°, 420°, and 537°C respectively on 18 August. During two night inspections inside the crater, bright glow was discovered at all fumaroles up to 530°C and blue flames were discovered at some points in the fumarolic field, probably revealing burning of molten sulfur.

Figure 9. Map of Vulcano showing the locations of fumaroles (F5, F5AT, and FA), and the seismic stations (CNW and CNE) used during the May 1990 microseismicity study. Courtesy of the Osservatorio Vesuviano.

Geochemistry. "Several chemical variations have been observed since April 1990 in fluids sampled at F5 fumaroles. A sharp decrease in H2O content similar to that recorded in 1988 (see figure 7) has occurred. Consequently, CO2, SO2, N2, HCl, and HF increased in content. At the same time, the S/C ratio significantly decreased. Chemical variations seemed to follow the trend recorded in 1988. These data agree with an unpublished model by Tedesco et al. of possible mixing between shallow and deep fluids, continuously occurring in different proportions before gas escapes from fumarolic vents.

Geophysics. "A microseismicity study of Vulcano crater by the OV in the summer of 1988 revealed the presence of Rayleigh and Rayleigh-like waves with a prograde rotation (15:03). The analyzed earthquakes were low-frequency events, with energy up to 1012 ergs, showing phases not clearly identifiable on seismograms. Most scientists believe them to be related to gas flow in fumarolic conduits (Blot, 1971; Latter, 1971). Particle motion analysis revealed retrograde and prograde elliptical orbit phases that followed one another during such earthquakes (figures 10 and 11). This physical phenomenology was interpreted as due to propagation and reflection of tube waves in a fluid-filled conduit (White, 1983; Toksoz and Stewart, 1984; Hardage, 1985). According to such a model, the successive rotation inversions of particle motion would be generated from alternating downgoing and upgoing tube waves. The non-correlativity of phase arrivals among the seismic network stations suggested complex circulations discriminated by tube heights, because of the presence of several reflecting points (in fact seismographs operated at different altitudes on Vulcano island).

"In May 1990, a survey was carried out to verify the possible presence of correlativity and synchrony of phase arrivals at two seismic stations placed at the same altitude on the top of the crater. Stations were installed at ~90° from each other with respect to the crater axes (figure 9). Notwithstanding the low activity level during the 2-week recording period, the few events analyzed show the same phenomenology observed on 1988 records. Unfortunately, the expected correlativity was absent. The negative result, not invalidating the proposed model, suggested a complex geometry of the tube-like source structure, such as non-vertical orientation."

Observations at "La Fossa" crater in recent years have included changes in fumarole temperatures and chemical compositions, ground deformation, and opening of new fractures. Data collected since a systematic surveillance program began in 1977 have allowed geologists to identify different stages during which changing contributions of magmatic gases and water caused fluctuating fumarole outputs. The interaction of heat rising from depth with shallow aquifers has produced changes in water vaporization and pressure as the heat/water ratio varied.

Only minor crater activity occurred until 1987, probably because of the constraints imposed by a limited fracture system on the thermal input. Since then, a sharp change has been observed, with ground inflation and significant increases in the maximum temperature and water concentration of emitted fluids.

In 1990, a further increase in the maximum temperature (to 620°C) and decrease in water contents of fumarole fluids were interpreted as a consequence of increased heat flow, causing significant aquifer depletion (15:08).

The most recent (April 1991) observations indicate that fumarole temperatures are again increasing, and significant vaporization as well as new inflation can be expected. Geologists noted that the long-lasting instability of La Fossa's NW sector could result in some form of collapse that could create problems for the local community.

Vigorous fumarolic activity was continuing from the N rim of the historically active crater (Fossa Grande) and from thermal areas on the upper N flank during a visit on the afternoon of 18 March. Most of the fumaroles were concentrated along the N crater rim, inside the N part of the crater, and on the N flank of the wall of tephra built during Vulcano's last eruption, in 1888-90. The main fumarole field appears to have extended a short distance to the E along the N crater rim, where new vents had formed since Behncke's last visit in November 1990. A new linear zone of high-pressure gas emission has developed roughly parallel to the large fissure that formed after 1988 on the N crater wall. Fumarolic activity from scattered vents on the upper N flank seemed to have increased since November 1990, and a less-prominent thermal area on the outer SE flank included at least 7 weak fumarolic vents.

Intense hydrothermal alteration and erosional undercutting have occurred on the upper N flank, around the S rim of the 18th-century Forgia Vecchia craters. Extension cracks have appeared within a few meters of the steep N slope, and deep gullies extend toward the coastal town of Porto di Levante.

"Gran Cratere was visited on 7 and 11 October 1994 by Open Univ geologists and observations were made of the fumarole zone, which extends from the floor of the lower crater to the rim of the upper crater, and onto the NE outer crater flanks. On 7 October, temperatures of >500 fumaroles were measured (table 2) with a Minolta/Land Cyclops Compac 3 hand-held radiometer (8-14 mm). The only area within the fumarole zone not sampled was that extending from the rim of the lower crater to its floor. Because radiant temperatures have not been corrected for spectral emissivity, all are given as brightness temperatures.

Table 2. Summary of fumarole and fissure temperatures measured at Gran Cratere, Vulcano, 7 October 1994. The upper temperature range of the Compac 3 is given as 500°C by the manufacturer. Courtesy of A. Harris, Open Univ.

Area

Temperature

Mean Temperature

Number of fumaroles

Upper crater NE rim: S half

88.7-305°C

161°C

105

Upper crater NE rim: N half

93.3-449°C

188°C

45

Fissures cutting the N end of upper crater rim fumarole zone

134-345°C

257°C

64

Upper crater inner flank: Upper slopes, S half

107-315°C

184°C

56

Upper crater inner flank: Upper slopes, N half

92.7-334°C

169°C

98

Upper crater inner flank: Lower slopes, S third

112-362°C

213°C

36

Upper crater inner flank: Lower slopes, middle third

115-506°C*

363°C

39

Upper crater inner flank: Lower slopes, N third

117-485°C

297°C

39

Bench between foot of the upper crater and the lower crater rim

113-371°C

222°C

22

"Fumaroles along the crater rim are located in a sinuous 1-3 m wide fissure that runs along the NE crater rim for ~200 m. Within this zone, low-temperature (54-148°C) and medium-temperature (164-286°C) fumaroles dominate and sublimates are common. Maximum temperatures (305-449°C) came from fumaroles within gray rubble-filled depressions, which occurred less commonly along this fissure line. The crater rim fumaroles were bounded at the N end by a rubble-filled fissure, ~60 m long, which cuts the rim obliquely with a N-S trend and extends onto the outer and inner slopes of the crater. This fissure contains fumaroles at temperatures between 134 and 345°C (table 2). The upper slopes of the inner NE flank of the upper crater and S edge of the fumarole zone were dominated by low- to medium-temperature fumaroles, with less common high-temperature fumaroles in rubble-filled depressions and fissures. However, the lower slopes of the inner NE flank of the upper crater were dominated by an area (~70 x 15 m) of gray rubble and high-temperature fumaroles (211-507°C), with lower temperature fumaroles (60-191°C) and sublimates far less common. High temperatures were found in the middle and towards the N side of this area. During measurements there was constant discharge of gases from the fumaroles."

During an 18 Apri visit by Boris Behncke to the Fossa Grande crater the most vigorous fumaroles were present on the N inner crater rim and near its bottom. The main focus of fumarolic activity had shifted notably from the crater rim towards its center since his March 1992 visit (BGVN 17:03). Some of the spectacular fissures on the outer N crater wall were inactive, but several large fumaroles had formed near the crater floor. Molten sulfur was present in many fumaroles on the crater rim. Fumarolic activity on the oversteepened S part of the 18th century Forgia Vecchia craters and on the upper SE slope of the cone has changed little since 1992. Fumaroles were also active at Gran Cratere in October 1994.

SVE members who visited Gran Cratere on the Fossa Cone on 21 May observed the fumarole zone that extends from the floor of the lower crater to the rim of the upper crater and onto the NE flanks of the outer crater. Fumarolic activity has remained steady for several months with maximum temperatures of 500-600°C. Although the E-W fissure inside the crater (near the fumarole area) still appeared to be moving, scientists at Palermo University reported no increased seismicity or inflation.

Periodic fumarole surveys made by Marino Martini within the "La Fossa" crater between April 1993 and April 1995 showed a significant decrease in temperatures. Fumarole emissions during this period exhibited increased H2O and CO2 gas with a corresponding decrease in volcanic gases (table 3). Marino suggested that the changes were caused by increased permeability, allowing additional shallow groundwater to dilute the fluids eventually emitted at the surface. Increased vapor pressure could affect the precarious stability of the NW slopes of the crater, a serious potential hazard.

Table 3. Fumarole temperatures and gas compositions at Vulcano, April 1993 and April 1995. Courtesy of Marino Martini.

Fumarolic activity, vigorous in the late 1980s and through 1994, notably diminished in 1995 (BGVN 20:04 and 20:06). During observations in September, the steam and gas output of the most conspicuous fumaroles, at the N rim of the Fossa Grande crater, was back to pre-1985 levels, and no longer formed sizeable gas plumes. Some of the formerly most vigorous fumaroles and steaming cracks were no longer active. Strong gas emission still occurred from fumaroles in the oversteepened and unstable Forgia Vecchia area, below the N rim of the Fossa Grande, and hydrothermal alteration continued to weaken the rock. Several blocks of strongly altered rock with volumes of ~100-500 m3 each had already detached and subsided by 10-20 cm, and may fall. However, it was uncertain whether they would reach the S margin of the village below the Fossa cone. Fumarolic activity also continued from numerous places on the beach N of the "Faraglione" and on the low isthmus connecting Vulcanello to the main body of Vulcano island. During a visit to the western-most (and most recent) crater of Vulcanello on 13 September, no evidence of recent fumarolic activity was found in its NE part where intense fumarolic activity took place until the mid-19th century.

The "La Fossa" crater was visited during 9-11 May by a group from the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Fumarolic emissions were observed on the SW inner crater wall, on the outer N slope ~100 m below the crater rim, and on the NE outside flank about half way down from the rim towards the sea. During the night of 9-10 May, several new fissures, 2-3 m long and 2-5 cm wide, opened on the inner crater slopes. They formed as an extension of a major fissure reaching W from fumarole FF, concentric to the crater rim. Temperatures of gases emitted from these fissures ranged from 160 to 220°C. During the same night, pre-existing fissures widened by a few centimeters (

Fumarole temperatures were measured on the NE crater rim and on the inner crater flanks, but those from radial fractures in the inner crater were not measured. Maximum temperature observed was 507°C on an extension fissure of fumarole FF on the inner crater slopes (table 4). This compares to the maximum temperature of 552°C in the same period last year at the same location. Temperatures on the crater rim peaked at 326°C at fumarole F5 compared to 512°C last year. Temperatures of outlets situated at the edge of the slope from the inner crater to its floor reach a maximum of 435°C. Fumarole temperatures therefore showed decreasing trends, but maximum temperatures remained high. The decrease was strongest at the rim fumaroles.

Table 4. Measured temperatures at La Fossa Crater, Vulcano, in May 1995 and 1996. Fumaroles F0/F1 and F5 are located at the crater rim; FF, FA and the extension fissure occur in the inner crater. Courtesy of C. Wahrenberger.

Fumarole

Max Temp 1-5 May 1995

Max Temp 9-11 May 1996

F0

369°C

320°C

F1

302°C

320°C

F5

512°C

326°C

FF

484°C

435°C

FA

474°C

445°C

Extension fissure FF

552°C

507°C

Temperature measurements were done using a Cr-Al Type K thermocouple at ~5 cm below the surface. All 1996 measurements were taken at the same locations as those made in 1995. Temperatures at each point were also taken on three successive days; deviations in 1996 were

Fumarolic emissions observed by Boris Behncke during 24-30 April from the Fossa Grande crater appeared more voluminous and denser than during 1995-96. The main focus of the fumarolic activity was in the N-central part of the crater, but fumaroles also appeared more vigorous on the N crater rim.

Periodic observations of the chemical composition of fumarolic gases have been made at Vulcano since 1977. Several fumaroles with different temperatures but similar chemical compositions were observed. Differing trends in fumarolic gas composition at different locations on Vulcano have been observed during 1996-97.

Table 5 shows the trend in chemical composition of gases emitted by fumaroles on the rim and inside the crater during 1996-97. For fumaroles on the rim, percentages of typical magmatic species such as SO2, H2, and CO increased during 1996-97; percentages decreased for fumaroles inside the crater. Scientists estimated that the magmatic system was opening on the rim and closing inside the crater. This evolution pattern revealed that the stability of the system was affected by deformation of the Fossa cone produced by increased vapor pressures at depth.

Correction: Boris Behncke (Istituto di Geologia e Geofisica at Università di Catania) noted that during a visit in late April 1997 (BGVN 22:07) steam emissions from the Fossa Grande crater appeared slightly more voluminous than during visits in 1995 and 1996. This statement may have created a false impression of renewed increase in fumarolic activity when it was actually due to the relative humidity of the air. Fieldwork by other scientists during spring 1997 revealed low fumarole temperatures and less abundant emissions. This was confirmed by Behncke during June-July and 10-12 October when fumarolic emissions were the lowest since 1989.

Periodic inspections of Vulcano have indicated that the total output from the fumarolic field at the crater "La Fossa" started to decrease in 1995. However, an analysis of the chemical compositions of the gaseous phases conducted as a part of an overall evaluation of the volcanic system provides important volcanological details. Different trends observed between the fumaroles located on the rim and those inside the crater (see BGVN 22:11) indicate that the Fossa cone is affected by deformation, possibly the result of increased vapor pressure at depth. The chemical data from samples collected at the same locations during 1998 and 1999 (table 6) indicate similar trends of increasing magmatic gases. This could imply widespread opening of the system, which could affect the stability of the edifice.

In addition to the data reported in table 6, temperature measurements taken along the N rim of Fossa crater some time during the period 2-16 July 1999 were reported by Claude Grandpey. The temperature in July was 340°C compared to ~410°C the previous April. Grandpey also reported stable temperatures (i.e., 95-100°C) at the fumaroles on the isthmus between Vulcano and Vulcanello.

Vulcano is located at the southern boundary of the Aeolian Islands, about 25 km from northern Sicily. It last erupted in 1888-90 when numerous meter-sized bombs and blocks fell in the area now occupied by the village of Vulcano Porto, which hosts thousands of tourists daily during the summer season. Vulcanello, the youngest part of Vulcano Island, began to form only ~2,100 years ago as an isolated island that later became connected with the main island. The latest activity at Vulcanello occurred in the 16th century when lava flows, now covered by large hotel complexes, were extruded.

This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.

Volcano Types

Rock Types

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zoneContinental crust (> 25 km)

Population

Within 5 kmWithin 10 kmWithin 30 kmWithin 100 km

2,259
23,059
86,766
2,093,800

Geological Summary

The word volcano is derived from Vulcano stratovolcano in Italy's Aeolian Islands. Vulcano was constructed during six stages during the past 136,000 years. Two overlapping calderas, the 2.5-km-wide Caldera del Piano on the SE and the 4-km-wide Caldera della Fossa on the NW, were formed at about 100,000 and 24,000-15,000 years ago, respectively, and volcanism has migrated to the north over time. La Fossa cone, active throughout the Holocene and the location of most of the historical eruptions, occupies the 3-km-wide Caldera della Fossa at the NW end of the elongated 3 x 7 km island. The Vulcanello lava platform forms a low, roughly circular peninsula on the northern tip of Vulcano that was formed as an island beginning in 183 BCE and was connected to Vulcano in about 1550 CE. Vulcanello is capped by three pyroclastic cones and was active intermittently until the 16th century. The latest eruption from Vulcano consisted of explosive activity from the Fossa cone from 1898 to 1900.

This volcano is located within the Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands), a UNESCO World Heritage property.

References

The following references have all been used during the compilation of data for this volcano, it is not a comprehensive bibliography.

Deformation History

There is data available for 2 deformation periods. Expand each entry for additional details.

Deformation during 1990 - 1996 [Subsidence; Observed by EDM]

Start Date: 1990

Stop Date: 1996

Direction: Subsidence

Method: EDM

Magnitude: 5.000 cm

Spatial Extent: Unknown

Latitude: Unknown

Longitude: Unknown

Remarks: Subsidence of La Fossa Crater is likely due to fluid loss from a shallow geothermal reservoir.

Changes in measured line connecting the benchmarks positioned on the edifice and the more external ones as function of time (interval 1987?1998). Grey dark color areas show the considered time period. Distance measurement errors are lower than ?7 mm.

Emission History

There is no Emissions History data available for Vulcano.

Photo Gallery

The island of Vulcano in Italy's Aeolian Islands is the origin of the word volcano. It is seen here from the volcano observatory on the island of Lipari to the north, with the volcanic peninsula of Vulcanello, initially formed in 183 BCE, in the foreground and Fossa cone in the background. Vulcano consists of at least three volcanic complexes, each of which is truncated by a small caldera. Volcanism has migrated to the north, with Fossa cone being the dominant Holocene center. The latest eruption took place from 1888 to 1890.

Photo by Richard Waitt, 1985 (U.S. Geological Survey).

GVP Map Holdings

The maps shown below have been scanned from the GVP map archives and include the volcano on this page. Clicking on the small images will load the full 300 dpi map. Very small-scale maps (such as world maps) are not included. The maps database originated over 30 years ago, but was only recently updated and connected to our main database. We welcome users to tell us if they see incorrect information or other problems with the maps; please use the Contact GVP link at the bottom of the page to send us email.

Affiliated Sites

The DECADE portal, still in the developmental stage, serves as an example of the proposed interoperability between The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, the MAGA Database, and the EarthChem Geochemical Portal. The Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative seeks to use new and established technologies to determine accurate global fluxes of volcanic CO2 to the atmosphere, but installing CO2 monitoring networks on 20 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes. The group uses related laboratory-based studies (direct gas sampling and analysis, melt inclusions) to provide new data for direct degassing of deep earth carbon to the atmosphere.

WOVOdat is a database of volcanic unrest; instrumentally and visually recorded changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emission, and other parameters from their normal baselines. It is sponsored by the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) and presently hosted at the Earth Observatory of Singapore.

Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity.

Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales.

EarthChem develops and maintains databases, software, and services that support the preservation, discovery, access and analysis of geochemical data, and facilitate their integration with the broad array of other available earth science parameters. EarthChem is operated by a joint team of disciplinary scientists, data scientists, data managers and information technology developers who are part of the NSF-funded data facility Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA). IEDA is a collaborative effort of EarthChem and the Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS).